Every year, the General Assembly (the Virginia Legislature) considers new laws that are proposed by lawyers, interest groups, and private individuals. These new laws take effect on different dates throughout the year, but the most important date is July 1st. Several new laws were passed this year that you should be aware of. Below is a summary of various new laws passed involving divorce, custody, support and other family law issues.

1. Medical Records - One of the major things the court can consider in custody and visitation cases is the mental and physical condition of both parents. A new law has been passed that has made it easier for parties to submit those records to the Court. The updated version of the law (16.1-245.2) makes it easier to present reports to the court from medical providers. If medical records are an important part of your custody case, make sure to hire a lawyer familiar with these new requirements.

2. Divorce Court v. Custody Court - The General Assembly also passed a law that made it easier to kick out a custody case if a divorce case is filed in the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court is a higher level court in Virginia than the custody court. If a divorce case is filed, certain steps can be taken to kick out a pending custody case. Make sure that your lawyer knows these new laws and how to take advantage of them.

3. Pregnancy costs - In response to a growing number of concerns about pregnancy and delivery, Virginia has passed a new law that makes it possible for a mother to ask for reimbursement for costs associated with pregnancy is there is a dispute as to who the father is.

These are only the biggest new laws for family law. There are many others. If you are looking for a divorce lawyer to help you out with your case, make sure you find one familiar with these new laws and how they may effect your case.